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Highland Springs Thanks Dallas Fire Station #13

Dallas, Texas—It was a simple idea that got bigger.

The residents and staff of Highland Springs invited Dallas Fire Department Station #13 to be part of the community’s EMT/Firefighter Appreciation Day. Residents would surprise them with cookies and other homemade treats as a kind gesture of appreciation.

However, upon viewing the official website of Station #13, the community noticed the Adopt A Station program that provides individuals, businesses and organizations the opportunity to support the City of Dallas in its efforts to maintain, refurbish and renovate fire stations.

“Matt Neville, our Executive Director, Barbara Blachly, our Community Resources Coordinator, and I looked at the options to contribute,” stated LeRoy Duran, Security & Emergency Services Manager at Highland Springs. “We learned what they could really use was a new television, and we were able to make it happen.”

On July 21, residents and employees of Highland Springs delivered the 50” Samsung Smart TV to the men and women who serve at Fire Station #13…making a grand entrance on an antique fire truck!

As it turned out, Jim O’Neill, a resident of the Erickson Living retirement community, owned a 1974 Ford model fire truck. The retired financial executive moved to Highland Springs from nearby Plano with his wife Mimi in 2014.

“I had always liked big machinery. When I retired in 2001, my family surprised me with a gift, a 1950 American LaFrance red fire engine that I had admired numerous times while driving to our lake house,” described Mr. O’Neill. “We converted it into a parade vehicle and participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade for years. When it finally gave out, we purchased the 1974 model and also proudly drive it in parades with my children, grandchildren and grand-children,” described Mr. O’Neill.

“The residents really enjoyed the experience of riding in the fire truck,” said Mr. Duran, whose main role is to coordinate services and programs that ensure the resident security at the 89-acre campus located on Frankford Road.

Both men agreed that supporting the firefighters of Station #13 is the right thing to do.

“In addition to the trained professionals of Highland Springs, Station #13 serves as our first responder,” noted Mr. Duran. “These men and women put their lives on the line each and every day for our protection. A small thank-you celebration, cookies baked by residents and something as simple as donating a TV to a local firehouse goes a long way in showing our heartfelt appreciation. We also have several full-time employees who volunteer as firefighters throughout the surrounding community and a part-time employee who works for the Dallas Fire Department so our connection is strong.”

“I have always respected brave firefighters no matter where I have lived,” said Mr. O’Neill. “It was an honor to meet them in person at their station and bring the antique fire truck for them to see, too.”

About Highland Springs: Highland Springs is one of nineteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in North Dallas, Texas, the scenic 89-acre campus is home to more than 925 residents. Highland Springs is the ideal greater Dallas retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.